the good life - black out /saddle creek
review by nicole wright

http://www.saddle-creek.com

“Black Out” is the sophomore release from Omaha Saddle Creek band the Good Life. Their first release, “Novena on a Noctum”, was on Better Looking Records. Like so many other bands these days, The Good Life is comprised of members, benefiting from previous solo-efforts, and coming together at the top of their careers. The lead singer, Tom Kasher, is none other than the front man for the indie-rock outfit Cursive. Although different musically, you can definitely tell that Cursive and the Good Life have the same lead singer, with Kasher’s soulful and equally distinct voice at times reminiscent of Robert Smith. “Black Out” could very well be similar to the product of a collaboration between William Shakespeare and the Cure. The songs start off with rhythmic lyrics, backed by lush instrumentation, with the everchanging moods of the album taking you from one end of the spectrum to the other, reminding you of love, relationships, and life, arriving at the conclusion that “nothing seems to turn out right”. The Good Life is less drum beat driven then Cursive, instead the music is provided by a steady stream of saxophone, cello, accordion, vibraphone, synthesizers, and other weird instruments, along with the standard, but less prevalent, guitar, bass, and drums. Although not quite as good as Cursive in my opinion, “Black Out” is a solid release. With Bright Eyes, Cursive, Despareciados, the Faint, and now the Good Life, it seems Saddle Creek is raising the bar on their status as an indie label. If you like the other Saddle Creek releases, chances are you’ll like this too. You can catch the Good Life on tour now with Bright Eyes and May Day.

Rating : 3.7
Standout tracks: The Beaten Path | Early Out the Gate | Drinking with the Girls

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